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Rescue Back-Up (RBU) for Rescue Dogs: What It Is and How It Works

Rescue Back-Up (RBU) is a term often used in the world of animal rescue, but what does it really mean? For those involved in dog rescue and rehoming, RBU is a crucial safety net that ensures rescued dogs are supported throughout their lives, even after being adopted. At PennyPaws, we believe in responsible rehoming, and RBU plays a vital role in ensuring every dog’s future is secure.

What Is Rescue Back-Up (RBU)?

RBU is a commitment made by a rescue organisation to provide ongoing support for a dog, even after adoption. This means that if, for any reason, an adopter can no longer care for the dog, the rescue will step in to help. This could involve offering advice, arranging temporary foster care, or, in some cases, taking the dog back into the rescue’s care to find a more suitable home.

RBU is essentially a promise that no dog rehomed through a rescue will be abandoned, neglected, or left without options if things don’t work out. Responsible rescues always provide RBU to ensure that dogs are placed in the right homes and remain safe for life.

How Does RBU Work?

RBU operates as a safety net through a structured process:

1.⁠ ⁠Pre-Adoption Screening

Before a dog is rehomed, responsible rescues conduct thorough checks, including:
• Home checks to ensure a safe environment
• Interviews to assess the adopter’s experience and lifestyle
• Compatibility assessments between the dog and the adopter’s family or other pets

These steps help reduce the chances of the dog being returned but also ensure that RBU is in place should circumstances change.

2.⁠ ⁠Adoption Contract with RBU Clause

Reputable rescues require adopters to sign an adoption contract that includes an RBU clause. This legally states that if an adopter can no longer care for the dog, they must contact the rescue first—rather than selling, giving away, or surrendering the dog elsewhere.

3.⁠ ⁠Post-Adoption Support

Even after adoption, RBU provides ongoing support, such as:
• Behavioural and training advice
• Veterinary guidance
• Assistance with any issues that arise in the new home

This support helps adopters navigate challenges and keeps the dog in a stable home.

4.⁠ ⁠Rehoming if Necessary

If an adopter’s circumstances change—due to illness, financial difficulties, or other life events—the rescue will step in to find a new, suitable home. This prevents dogs from being placed in shelters, sold online, or ending up in unsafe situations.

Why Is RBU So Important?

Unfortunately, without RBU, dogs risk being passed from home to home, abandoned, or even euthanised if they end up in overcrowded shelters. RBU ensures that every dog rescued has a lifetime of security, even if their first adoptive home doesn’t work out.

The Difference Between a Responsible Rescue and a Poorly Managed One

Not all rescues offer RBU, and this is a major red flag. Some organisations or individuals may rehome dogs without proper checks or ongoing support, leaving the dog vulnerable if problems arise. Before adopting, always check that the rescue provides full RBU—it’s a sign of ethical and responsible rehoming.

How You Can Help Support RBU
• Adopt Responsibly – If you’re adopting a dog, choose a rescue that offers RBU to ensure lifelong security for your pet.
• Foster – Temporary foster homes help rescues provide RBU to dogs who need to be rehomed again.
• Donate or Volunteer – Supporting reputable rescues helps them continue offering RBU to more dogs in need.

Final Thoughts

Rescue Back-Up is a vital part of responsible dog rescue and rehoming. It guarantees that no rescue dog is ever left without support, even after they leave the rescue’s care. If you’re considering adopting, always choose a rescue that offers RBU—because every dog deserves a second chance, with a safety net for life.

At PennyPaws, we believe that rescue is for life, and RBU is a promise we stand by.

Author: Lucca – Ambassadog.

We are struggling with food bills from Romania for the 50 dogs we have rescued from the kill shelters, who are now waiting in safe shelters for their chance of a forever home.

Pennypaws has saved countless dogs from a brutal fate—whether in kill shelters or struggling to survive on the streets. Thanks to Pennypaws, they now have a safe place to stay, but they desperately need food and care.
Throughout March, we need your help to ensure these dogs don’t go hungry.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/feed-the-dogs

Many of these dogs were found starving, beaten, and sick. Pennypaws takes on the high veterinary costs to rehabilitate them, giving them a second chance at life. Every donation—big or small—makes a huge difference.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/feed-the-dogs

Please help me reach my fundraising goal to help feed the dogs. Any amount you can give will mean the world to these dogs and help them on their journey to a better life.
❤️ If you can please donate today or share if you can, and be a hero for these rescued dogs!

Pennypaws Rescue is run by a handful of dedicated unpaid volunteers, ensuring that every penny raised goes directly to helping the dogs.❤️

If you can spare anything please click here:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/feed-the-dogs

Woody was rescued from a kill shelter by Pennypaws Rescue a few years ago, and now I’ve officially adopted him!

After patiently waiting in a safe shelter in Romania, he has finally found his forever home. He’s an affectionate, calm, and loving dog, and I feel so lucky to have him here. And he gets on really well with my other dog Sweetie.

I’ve put together a little video of his journey—from the day he arrived to where we are now. Hope you enjoy it!

Thanks to Pennypaws and everyone who supports them, Gill Jenness, Zoey Nettleingham, Leonie R Morris, Greg and Linda Crowhurst – for making it possible to get him here. x

Please Help Mo & Mia: Parvo Survivors Seeking a Bright Future!

➡ Donate Now via our Crowdfunder. Please click

Their Story

Mo and Mia, two beautiful and resilient puppies, were found abandoned on the streets of Romania, clinging to each other for comfort and survival. Their future seemed bleak—until they were rescued. But just as they began to experience love and care for the first time, disaster struck. Both Mo and Mia contracted parvovirus (parvo)—a highly contagious and often fatal disease that attacks a puppy’s immune system, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and, without immediate treatment, death.

The Reality of Parvo

Parvo is a relentless killer. Without medical intervention, the mortality rate is as high as 91%. Even with treatment, survival isn’t guaranteed, but the odds increase dramatically. Early, aggressive treatment can push survival rates up to 85-90%, giving dogs the chance to live full, happy lives.

Thankfully, Mo and Mia were fighters. Thanks to intensive medical care, they overcame parvo—but the cost was high. Their veterinary bill is now over €900, and without help, we simply cannot pay it.

The Urgent Need

Now fully recovered, Mo and Mia are still in a private Romanian shelter, waiting for their forever homes in the UK. However, their life-saving treatment came at a cost we simply cannot cover alone. We are urgently seeking support to pay their veterinary bill and continue our mission of rescuing vulnerable dogs like them.

How You Can Help

➡ Donate Now via our Crowdfunder. Please click

PennyPaws, in partnership with Greenbank Animal Sanctuary, is dedicated to giving abandoned and sick dogs a second chance. But we need your help to continue saving lives.

Every donation, no matter how small, goes directly towards:

✔ Covering Mo & Mia’s £820+ emergency vet bill

✔ Providing ongoing care and shelter

✔ Ensuring they find safe, loving homes in the UK

Without financial support, we simply cannot continue this life-saving work.

Your Support = Their Future

Mo and Mia have fought to survive. Now, they just need you to help them take the next step toward a happy future.

Please donate today and be a part of their rescue story. Every pound counts, and every share makes a difference.

➡ Donate Now via our Crowdfunder. Please click

Thank you for believing in second chances. Mo and Mia wouldn’t be here without kind-hearted people like you.

Love Is In The Air Everywhere I Look Around…the first thoughts when every Pennypaws Pup gets off the Happy Bus

All funds raised will go towards Kiva, Kevin and Winnies transport fees.

Please share ….. it does make a difference. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AHZQh1GWK/

Prizes!

• Kylie Minogue Prosecco – 75cl Rose
• Hot Chocolate Lovers Gift Set
• 2 “It’s A Dogs Life” Mugs
• Strawberry and Cream Lindt Lindor Chocolates
• Sherbert Strawberries boiled sweets
• 2 pkts Rowntree Berry Hearts
• 36 Authentic French Macarons
• Love Is a 4 legged word bone shaped wooden collar and lead hanger
• Box of Dograze Natural Dog Biscuits
• 2 pairs of luxuriously soft, cushioned fur lined cosy socks
• Love Heart Wax Burner
• 9 Glitter Wax Melts
• Heart Shaped box Lindt Chocolates
• 4 Pkts of Mini Chocolate Hearts
• Tub of Love Hearts
• Tin of Clotted Cream and Salted Caramel Fudge
• Bow Ties to attach to your dogs collar
• As a little added extra I have 15 Valentines bows available for free to the first 15 supporters who would like one

Thank you to everyone taking part, it’s by doing so that helps Gill and her team Rescue so many dogs desperately in need of help

UPDATE Feb 24th 2025

BEAR IS NOW IN HIS AMAZING NEW HOME – THANK YOU PETER @ GREENBANK ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Thank you to everyone who donated and / or shared to make this possible.

Update 14th Feb 2025

🐾 Bear’s Big Move – 8 Days to Go! 🐾

After six long years in kennels, we are absolutely thrilled to announce that Bear will be moving into his brand-new, purpose-built home in just 10 days! This is the fresh start he has waited so patiently for, and we couldn’t have done it without your incredible support.

However, due to new mandatory housing restrictions on poultry issued by APHA (Avian Influenza Prevention Zone), Greenbank Animal Sanctuary must go into full lockdown to protect the birds in their care. This means no movement on or off-site for any animals once the restrictions are in place.

Because Bear’s current kennels are located near a duck farm, he will be going into biosecurity lockdown starting tomorrow as a precaution. This ensures that he can still be moved before any control zones are enforced, which could delay or even prevent his transfer.

So while this is terrible news for the birds, it’s fantastic news for Bear—his wait is almost over! We’ll be sharing updates on his move and keeping you posted as he prepares for his new home at Greenbank Animal Sanctuary.

💛 *A huge thank you to everyone who donated, shared, and supported Build for Bear—*you made this possible! 💛

🚧 Build for Bear is still open! 🚧 If you’d like to help us finish Bear’s home and support his transition, every donation makes a difference.

🔗 Donate here: https://pennypawsrescue.org.uk/2025/01/26/buildforbear/

Stay tuned for Bear’s big moving day—he’s almost home! 🏡🐶❤️ #BuildForBear #BearIsComingHome #RescueDog #GreenbankAnimalSanctuary #PennyPaws


Update: BUILDING WORKS ARE WELL UNDERWAY! See further down for more pictures
Click here for the latest amount we have raised
Update 6th Feb:
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported and shared the Build for Bear Project so far. Building works are going well – and we have raised just over half the money. If we can just raise a bit more we can push on and get the home ready for Bear. Can we do it… Please share. Thank you.
You can see his new home coming together below. 

Bear has been waiting for his chance at happiness for far too long. Rescued from a Romanian kill shelter by PennyPaws Rescue, this brave boy was brought to the UK in the hope of finding a forever home. But after four years in kennels, Bear is still waiting. Life hasn’t been easy for him, and his past experiences have left him wary of the world. With his ongoing medical condition, spondylosis, and a need for a calm and structured environment, finding the right home has been a challenge.

We’ve decided Bear shouldn’t have to wait any longer. Instead of holding out for a home that may never come, we’re building one just for him! Bear will soon have his very own dedicated kennel space at the Reactivity & Rehabilitation Centre, a safe haven designed specifically to meet his needs.

Here, Bear will have the chance to thrive in a supportive, quiet environment alongside other animals who will act as therapy for him. His “Bachelor Pad” will give him the space and security he needs, helping him build confidence while enjoying a peaceful, permanent place to call his own. This will be his sanctuary – a place where he can finally feel at ease.

To make this dream a reality, we need your help. The cost of building Bear’s new home is £1,000, and every penny counts. This special space will allow us to reallocate the £400 we currently spend monthly on his kennel and medical costs, meaning we can help even more animals in need.

Please, help us Build for Bear by donating to our JustGiving page. Whether it’s £1 or £100, your support will give Bear the happy ending he’s waited for his entire life. Share this far and wide – together, we can make Bear’s dream a reality and show him the love he so deeply deserves.

Let’s Build for Bear and give this incredible boy the home he’s been waiting for! Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

This is such an amazing opportunity for Bear – if you can, please help us make it happen for him by donating or sharing.

Building Works are underway – overseen by the foreman – Lucky the Goat!!

🐾 Build for Bear Update: New Site Foreman on the Job! 🐾

Bear is taking his new home VERY seriously, so he’s officially appointed a new site foreman to keep things moving… Introducing Lucky Construction! 🏗️🐐 (Yes, that’s Lucky the goat from the sanctuary, who—let’s be honest—is more of a demolition expert than a builder, but we’re rolling with it!)

Despite Lucky’s unique approach to project management, things are finally taking shape! The floor is going in, the external cladding is up, and Bear’s dream home is starting to become a reality. But we’re not there yet—we still need your support to get the materials and resources needed to finish the job.

💛 Please donate and help us Build for Bear! Every contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to giving this incredible boy the home and comfort he’s waited so long for.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/build-for-bear

If you can’t donate, please share! Let’s get this build over the finish line and give Bear the safe, loving space he deserves. 🐶💛🐐

Thank you so much to Peter @ Greenbank Animal Sanctuary for making this happen

Greenbank Animal Sanctuary

Greenbank on Facebook